How a pandemic lead to Singing an E6 on my Head

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, I needed another stress mechanism, besides my usual of baking. I started doing yoga. I already have a love for and experience with Alexander Technique and I felt yoga would provide me with the opportunity to be able to use the Alexander work as I also find a new sense of self.

I started to do Yoga every other morning, and then it became every day, sometimes before my classes, before bed, or after a run. I started to get very comfortable very fast. Every day I wanted to master a new yoga pose, and the next thing I knew I was on my head in a headstand.

In my vocal lessons I work on body alignment, with a 45 degree curve in my back, it is especially important. I found if I was in a headstand, I had the alignment I searched for in my lessons standing. If I gave into any of the detrimental curves-I would fall. If I moved a part of my neck or jaw forward- I would fall.

I began to sing on my head, not feeling any the tensions I would have standing, because if I did.. I would fall. Initially, I would use a wall to help support me- it was a lot to think about without the wall. But over time I was able to sing like this without the wall (granted the wall did help me stay in it longer, but part of the fun and challenge was to do it without).

The Phantom of the Opera is one of my favorite Musicals. Christine fascinates me and she has a great deal of strength. I knew if I could sing Christine’s music on my head, I could do it anytime. So, of course, I go for the E6 (aka the high note) at the end of the song “The Phantom of the Opera.” Below is the outcome…